You are hilarious...

Few weeks ago, our conversation went something like that...

Me: running tmrw?

Him: my feet smaller now i think.. shrinking... small feet jog slower...

Me: hahaha... ur feet shrink? how?

Him: it felt loose when i wear it.. maybe the shoe expanded... how long is ur feet? what's ur size?

Me: us 7

silly me at that time still actually believed his feet was shrinking..until after i heard he got me something that will keep me happy for awhile.. and then it was quite expensive.. i started suspecting that really odd conversation we had... but i waited.. and waited.. and still no show...he was going to make a claim already.... he asked me whether i wanted to know what it was.. i said no.... until today...

Just so you know.. in my apartment building, unit 508 doesn't exist. It only had 501, 502, 503

this was what's being written on the envelope of my birthday card....

and he still syok sendiri write 'my address' again on the shoe box....

So he actually wrote my address wrong three times! hahaha! so funny when i was opening up my parcel... i was smiling from ear to ear.. not because of the shoes, but his actions... lol!! it reminded me why i am so attracted to him.. hehehehe... never fail to do something silly....at least he took out the price tag!!! i actually wondered if it was me who gave him the wrong address.. i checked my conversation with him and i did give him the right one.. and i typed it out twice somemore! hahahaha!!

And so.... this is what I got!!! Took heaps of photos of it to show how white it is!

My very first non-Nike runners!!! always wanted to get a new pair of shoes but decided to only get it after i got my first pay... but now.... woooohooo!! (though i am still really curious to run with asics...apparently no size... next time.. next time.... i was also curious with New Balance too!)

Thank you very much for putting much thought into this lovely present. Best present ever!!! Really brave of you to buy me a pair of runners.... And thank you for your silly-ness.

You are hilarious.... and that is why I love you :D

And to MOH-Swan, Yin, Shaun, Sharvin, Jeremy, Matt, Christine, Andrea and Kai Ann who signed the birthday card with your wonderful birthday messages, thank you!!!

Another earthquake?

2011...

Queensland flood

Cyclone Yasi

Melbourne flood

And now....

Multiple deaths as quake strikes Christchurch

Christchurch earthquake: "Dead bodies lying around"

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this on many people's facebook status. I was thinking how come they were so outdated... didn't the earthquake happened back in September last year? And what deaths? There weren't any deaths. I clicked on the link and realized there was another one that hit Christchurch midday today. Multiple deaths were recorded and it breaks my heart to see that it's the same place that got hit again. My thoughts goes out to all those in Christchurch. Imagine having to live through this twice. Once is already bad enough. Twice? Why is mother nature being so unfair? Isn't one enough? What have Christchurch done to deserve all this? Does it have to happen twice just because no lives were taken first time round? Geeez!!!!

Mother nature must have been very hungry and have bitten off half of the Cathedral

NZ is such a beautiful country. Mother nature, please stop ruining it. I beg you.

Now I just hope what was predicted by the Maori elderly during Waitangi Day is not true:

Wellington Earthquake - "Beehive in ruins, body bags in the streets of Wellington, tsunami stretching to Kaikoura"

Hands off my Kaikoura!!!!!

11.02.2011

What a day!!!!

It was only the day before my birthday that I decided I shall do something memorable on my birthday. A few days before my birthday, I wasn't even excited. I felt like it was just another day. My mood hasn't been too good either as I was pretty much down as I hate the feeling of being unemployed and also not getting my physio registration yet. The mood to celebrate just wasn't there. Besides, there isn't really anyone here to celebrate it with me. I miss NZ. I miss everyone there.

But somehow, on the eve of my birthday, I decided... I can't just let it pass like that. I might regret it. Sure, I do not have friends with me to celebrate but afterall, my birthday is about ME. Heeheehee.... And so, I decided to do a 21km run despite not running since the 23rd of December in Singapore. And when I say not running, it means not even a 10 min run since then. Haha!!

I heard of the 7 bridges run in Sydney. A 21km run. Always wanted to do it but never had the guts to do so. I am not familiar with the place and the map is tiny when printed on an A4 paper. But since now I have my baby Legend, equipped with google maps... there's no excuse not to run it.

I printed out the map anyway and wrote out instructions on when to turn left, when to turn right. Downloaded mapmyrun to my baby Legend so I can track my pace thinking I want to do a good run (what a joke!!).

Told my aunt and cousin about it and the reactions I got from them was... CRAZY WOMAN!!!

Swan called me at midnight and she also said CRAZY!!!! when I told her I'm gonna do 21km on my birthday.

I got a birthday wall post on fb from nat and it said CRAZY MONKEY with regards to my 21km run.

Hahaha!!! Crazy? I didn't think it was... till halfway of my run...

It started pretty good running across the anzac bridge as I knew the way.

#1: Anzac bridge

Getting onto Iron Cove bridge was pretty straight forward to as it was all the way along victoria road. Except I ended up on the right side of the bridge and doesn't have the pedestrian path and I had to go under the bridge and so I had to U-turn back and get onto the left side of the bridge to cross it. that.. broke my momentum a little.

#2: Iron Cove bridge

The run after Iron Cove bridge towards Gladesville bridge wasn't too bad. I gained my momentun back pretty quick and didn't have to stop. It was quite an elevation for Gladesville Bridge. Quite a big bridge actually as it crosses the Paramatta river. The view was nice and so I stopped to snap a photo of the view. Started to walk a lil as it was quite a climb to me.

View from Gladesville Bridge - Paramatta river

After crossing Gladesville bridge, I got a little confused as there weren't any proper road signs and I have no idea what road I am on. I saw a bridge that I thought was the Tarban Ck Bridge that I was meant to get onto. took the pedestrain subway and just ended up on the other side of the road. Had to backtrack and realized the bridge I saw wasn't Tarban Ck Bridge. Had to run a lil off road to get to Tarban Ck Bridge.

Once I crossed that... it was all downhill from there. The roads are so confusing and I had trouble getting onto Fig Tree bridge. The directions on the map was also useless. Used my google map and still had no idea how to get to the pedestrian part of the bridge. I was going back and forth one area about 3-4 times, pausing to look at my map.

Some reserve that i was going round and round at

It was at that point where I really wanted to just turn back and head home and forget about it. I was so disappointed that this is taking longer than I expected. So frustrated that my legs were killing me and I can't run much. I thought to myself: Maybe there's isn't a pedestrian foot path for this bridge. But from far, I could see people walking along it. Weird... how the heck do I get on it? And so I walked around again, walked back to the traffic light I passed, saw a bike coming off Burns Bay Road which looked sorta like a highway, and then stood there and tried to figure if pedestrians were allowed on that lane... and then saw no cars and ran on that lane as I saw the pedestrian walkway from far. Lol!

As I got onto the pedestrian part of the bridge, I saw a small footpath leading to it from Reiby Road. The road I was on earlier but I turned around too quickly as I thought it was a dead end as it says No Through Road. Gahhh!! It was meant for the cars! lol!

Once I crossed that bridge, I was really demotivated. Really gave up on running and decided I will just walk it. And because I stopped and ran, stopped and ran so many times... the pain in my feet, my toes, my thighs were just burning every single time I try to run. Stopped by a Shell station and bought myself a bottle of Coke. Wahhh!! best Coke i ever tasted! thank goodness I brought 50 bucks with me. Lol!

the point where i was so tempted to wave a car down and hitch a ride

I ran a lil afterwards but it was mostly walking throughout. I always seem to get lost when I start runnning. I would miss a turn and go too far or make the wrong turn. Aihhh.. and then when I realized I have to turn back, I get frustrated and then I walk it. Lol! It was quite a funny feeling really. Frustrated but at the same time, laughing at myself. No wonder people said I was crazy. It was then I decided, yes, I am crazy. But I was happy at the same time. Because I am on this tiny adventure and I will get to write about it.

It was around 11 where my mum called me. She was asking what I was doing as she wanted to skype. And so i told her I was out running. I said.. "i'm out for a LONG run." I didn't tell her I got lost so many times. When she called, I was actually running and so I stopped to answer the phone. I continued walking as I was talking to her and dad. And when I put down the phone.... I realized I made a wrong turn as I came to a dead end. I turned right into Shirley Road instead of turning left. And so, I had to walk all the way back up again. Hahahaha!!!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge - something familiar, Finally!!

Soon, I could see the harbour bridge and it wasn't that far. Got so excited coz it means I am not too far away now. Arrived milson's point and filled up my bottle with water, got onto the Harbour Bridge and ran across. It was quite a painful run across the bridge. The bum, the thighs, the knees, the feet.. they were all aching so bad. It was noon under the scorching sun. But I did it. I ran across without stopping.

Walked through The Rocks and along George Street to get onto Pyrmont bridge. Wanted to actually catch the bus home from george street and skip bridge #7 but I was so close to the last bridge. And so.... the final bridge. Bridge #7- Pyrmont bridge on Darling Harbour. The bridge I walk across everyday. Fom there, I made my final run... and returned HOME!

And so, that was the story of my little adventure on my 23rd birthday. That is how I am going to remember my 23rd birthday. What was meant to be a 21km, 2 hour morning run turned out to be a 27.55km, 5 hour adventure.

My body sure is aching right now am I am typing this out but I dare not complain to mum and dad as they will definitely say... "Why do you want to torture your body like that on your birthday?". Well, it wasn't a torture. I felt great after it, satisfied with a feeling of great accomplishment. I got to know myself better and did not expected to do so.

There were so many times where I wanted to hitch a ride, turn back or catch the bus home but I managed to resist all those temptations, and managed to avoid giving up. Despite all the dead ends, frustrations, disappointments... I managed to visit all 7 bridges with my own two feet. Which was what I was set out to do this morning. Sure it took almost 3 times the time but I eventually completed it.

And that is how I would like to face this year's challenges. I am facing disappointments and frustrations in my life right now, setbacks and feelings of coming to dead ends... but after today, I realized.. as long as I have the will power, the strength and focus to U-turn, backtrack, make a detour... I will be able to achieve my goals. It is all about putting in the extra time and effort (in my case right now, to fix my CV and over letter) in order to get what I want (securing a job). I mustn't be put down by rejections ... I must be strong and face all these obstacles and conquer them... and I know I can... because of what happened today.

This tiny adventure not only showed me other parts of Sydney and allowed me to cross 7 bridges... it also showed me what I am capable of doing. It showed me that I can do things as long as I do not give up, as long as I am willing to contribute. Perhaps this trip is a tiny preview of what this year is going to be like? And so, I am going to take this attitude and mindset of mine that I had today, and face the challenges that are gonna be thrown at me this year :)

Happy Birthday to me!!!

And and.. of course... what made my day even more special was the birthday phone calls from loved ones...MOH Ah Swan is not suprisingly to be the first one to call me!!!!! followed by my parents, the significant other and brother..... birthday emails, birthday texts, birthday wall posts on fb, birthday msgs in fb inbox..... thank you all!!! I feel so loved!!!

And my aunty cooked me a yummy dinner of steam chicken and my favourite chap chye and noodles... cousin bought me a watermelon cake.... and we all watched a DVD from my 6 weeks free DVD rental :p

And also to Audrey, who wrote a birthday post just for me and making me feel special with all the compliments.... almost burst my bubble.. lol!!! Mwahhhhhh!! love u to bits!!!!

And to my other half, ah swan... phone call, sms, fb, and now.... a post consisting of three facts ... in which I was nodding my head for fact #1, totally agreeing with it.... bursting my bubble on fact #2, shaking my head for fact #3... hahaha!!! thank u!!!!!

So this is my 23rd birthday.... surprisingly a memorable one :) Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!!!!!!!! Heeeheeeheeeee......

Life's a waiting game

Waiting...oh still waiting...

Waiting for my physio registration....

Waiting for reference letters to come to me before I can get my skills assessment done... and then need to wait again..... then only can I submit my PR application... and then wait again....

It's all a waiting game right now.

In the meantime, maybe I should start blogging about my KK trip and Thailand trip... what say you? hehehe....

Everyday is like a holiday right now. A holiday with no sense of direction. Everyday I wake up, I have no idea what I am going to do. Weekends, weekdays... they don't make any difference. I'd like to go out and catch up with friends, but that means spending more money. And so I choose to stay at home...sit in front of the computer and stare at facebook and listen to music... or rewatching DVDs.

Went to the gym for the past few days for yoga classes. Yes, me and my introductory offers. Hehehehe... Still have 8 more days of it till I reach day 14. Hehehe.... And then after that, I'm going to be a lost soul again... maybe back to running? Haven't ran since.... since Christmas. Not too sure how I am going to reach my target of a sub 50 this year.

Ohhh please give me a job.... I'm tired of being lost. Tired of not being able to go out and spend money and meet friends.

But .... I can't start working till I get my registration and submit my PR application to get a bridging visa!!!

Life's indeed a waiting game... oh gosh... help meeeeeeee

What a LEGEND!

Went for my medical check up today. A lot of waiting. Said goodbye to another $303.

Went to uni after that to get my documents certified by JP. Lady said to come back after 4pm to collect them. It was 11.15am then. It takes me an hour to go home so decided to hang around and kill time.

Realized I need to fork out another $330 for skills assessment and a lot of documents and references to get. Did heaps of phone calling and emails and got to no where really.

Walked to Broadway shopping centre and killed 3 hours over there walking around aimlessly. Walked into shops and look at things I can't buy but wish to buy. But..I need to save. Well, more like, need to minimize my spending as much as I can. Walked pass the 3/Vodafone store and saw some pretty good phone offers. But I can't get it yet as my contract hasn't ended. Wasn't in the mood of en-quiring and the people there don't look too friendly.

Went back to uni. Still have 1 more hour till 4pm. Went and did some 'research'. Picked up my documents at 4pm. Caught the bus to town hall. Decide to check out the 3/Vodafone store in town hall as that's where I got my mobile broadband last time. Waited 30 mins to be served...

After all those... a LEGEND was given to me :D :D

HTC Legend

How much did I fork out? $0. I was previously on a $19 plan where I get $70 of credit to call/text, of which only $20 for international calls. Now, they let me upgrade to a $29 plan despite my old contract still present for 1 more month. They cancelled that for me without needing to pay any cancellation fees or the $19 for the final month. So, I swapped to a $29 plan and I get $180 credit to call/text, of which I can use up to $100 for international calls. Plus 200mb. Plus unlimited calls to people on 3 or australia vodafone...plus unlimited access to fb and other social networks... And of course, my baby LEGEND!

And on top of that, I get $10 off per month for the first 12 months for my phone fees!!

So really, I am still paying the same $19 per month for this whole year but I got a new phone and loads of credit and other benefits :D

LEGENDARY!!

After so much waiting and anticipation

I got rejected.

I finally got my first rejection. From my first interview I did way back in November. My one and only interview.

This is just the beginning...

Back in Sydney

It's a different feeling.

Usually when I fill up the arrival card, it would automatically be:

Occupation: Student

Purpose of visit: Education

Usually when I come back to Sydney, my mind would be thinking ... "Oh! Need to pack my bag for school. Remember to bring so and so..."

This time back, I still wrote Student. I was contemplating on Unemployed or Student. Lol!

Purpose of visit... I ticked Employment. The guy at the immigration was asking me what type of job I'm looking for. Usually I can just go through it without any questions asked.

This time back, as I sat in the shuttle from the airport back to the apartment, all I had in my mind was... Where to now? Lots to settle. Where do I start?

- Haven't got my physio registration despite submitting my application in advance. Need to sort that out ASAP but don't know how.

- Need to fix my CV and make it better

- Need to look for jobs

- Need to apply for PR

> Need to do medical check up

> Need to get police check

> Need to ask dad for money

> Need to print forms, need to photocopy documents

> Need to find a justice of peace that will certify more than 5 documents

- Need to get printer ink

Welcome back to reality Sher Mayne!

1.1.11

(it's the 11th of January right now. Just got back from bangkok and am dead tired. Typed some when I was in bangkok too. Glad I can post it up now!! Sorry it took awhile. This New Year's post was typed on the 1.1.11 and was completed on the 11.1.11)

As I read my other half's memes to sum up the year 2010, it finally strucked me that I will soon have to put up a post to sum up my year. I haven't put much thought into it prior to that and when I realized I have to write one up soon, I felt like it was such a chore. I almost didn't want to do one. It's only today, when I sat down, and read back my previous new year's posts, I decided that I should do and I'd regret if I don't write one. If someone were to ask me how was my 2010, my immediate answer would be :"Hmmnn.. it was alright." I wouldn't say it's great or anything. My immediate impression on 2010 was that it was a 'bleh' year. Nothing much to talk about. Maybe it's just the way I am recently. Not too enthusiastic with things. Not really looking forward to a new year where I am officially unemployed and setting foot in the real world. Yes yes... I know it's not a good attitude to welcome the new year. But I am positive that as I type this post out, there will be more positive feelings towards 2011.

Perhaps it was because I was expecting too much from 2010. I was hoping it was going to be a much better year than 2009. But my immediate recall of 2010 was that it wasn't much different than 2009. I complained a lot in 2010. And that was why it felt like I didn't have much to write about. But if I do put some thoughts into it, it was actually a much better year than 2009. It was another year filled with new accomplishments and memories. And I did do things I have never done before.

The format of this 2010 post? Well, I wanted to do a meme as well but I decided against it as there are some questions that I can't answer. And hence, the boring format remains. The books, sports, social life, family and LDR. Yes, I know I'm 'so creative'.

The books

This year marked the final year of my university studies. And if you have followed my previous posts, I have passed all my papers and I would be graduating with a Masters of Physiotherapy degree in March/April 2011. It wasn't as stressful as last year but me being me, I'd stress myself up for no reason. But I guess I do need the stress to be able to force myself to study. My results weren't impressive but hey.. P's get degrees! The first semester of the year was 3 by 5 weeks of clinical placements and the second half was study, exams and ended with another 5 weeks of placement.

When I started this degree, never have I thought that I would need to set foot in a hospital. But I really enjoyed the hospital environment. I have learnt so much in all my clinical placements and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team. I have picked up a lot of valuable knowledge and also tons of people skills. I've learnt to have more patience, I've learnt to twist my words around in order to get things done, I've learnt to be more helpful and more understanding, especially with older people. I get to talk to doctors, not because of any illness that I have, but to give my opinions on their patients. I've learnt to ask for favours... in a nicer way. I have learnt to put on a smiley face, and pretend I like someone, even when they really get on my nerves (but of course, I had to blog it out here).

It was so hard to get into book mode in semester 2. But I pulled through it. A lot of slacking, a lot of last minute cramming. I sat for my exams... the last of my entire university degree... and also for my entire life. At least I hope so. I would be insane if I continue.

And after all that, I had to sit for my IELTS english test. To apply for a working visa / PR in Australia. I sat it during my December holidays. Not surprised that my highest score is in Listening, and lowest score in Speaking and Reading. Writing was in the middle .. I'm glad to know that I am still good at bullshitting my way through. And yes, all sections are above 7.0 and so ... no more tests/exams forever!!!

So this is it. 3 years of kindy, 7 years of primary school, 5 years of high school, 3 years of undergrad, 2 years of masters .... I am now officially done with studies!! Woohooo!!!!

Sports
Well, remember in my 2009 post, I mentioned about a mission that I wanted to accomplish but I won't mention what it really is till I complete it? Well, let me just tell you what that mission was. I did not complete it because I chickened out. It was to run a full marathon. I wanted to do the one in Gold Coast. But I didn't do it due to financial issues. There was a full marathon that I could do in Sydney but I chickened out. When will I complete a full marathon? I don't think it will be 2011 either.

But at least I ran more half marathons this year:

- February: Putrajaya Night Half Marathon - 2 hours 27 min

- May: Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon - 2 hours 9 seconds

- September: Sydney Blackmores Half Marathon - 1 hr 59min 27s :) sub 2:00 goal accomplished!

The goal for 2011? Either a full marathon or running 10km with a sub 50.

I swam slightly more this year as well. Partially to avoid running and still working on the stamina. But mainly to reduce stress and also to soothe the aching muscles.

And my new sport?

Yoga. Well, I don't know if you can call it a sport so I shall say.. my new fitness activity.... Hehehe... I was introduced to it by one of my canadian buddy who was up at Newcastle with me during my placement at John Hunter. It was after the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon and since she has really tight ITBs and hip muscles, she was asked to stretch more and reduce her running. She needed to rest. And so, she dragged me to Hot Power Yoga at Newcastle. I enjoyed the stretching and the sweating. It's a torture during the session but feels so good after.

When I went back to Auckland in July, I found out there was this introductory offer for Bikram Yoga at East Tamaki. It was like 20 bucks for 10 consecutive days and I dragged Ivan along with me. It is so different than the Power Yoga. More stationary poses and more discipline and mental strength required.

Back in Sydney for the 2nd semester, Nat introduced me to the Power Yoga place near Central station in Sydney CBD. Again, there was an introductory offer ... $25 for 14 days. And so.. I went for it again. In preparation for my half marathon in September, making sure I am well stretched.

And after a long break from it, when I got back to Malaysia in December, I contacted Mei who teaches Bikram in USJ and I had a free 10 day pass to Bikram Yoga. And I went for 3 days non-stop. Hahaha!

If it wasn't for these introductory offers, I wouldn't have continued. It is very pricey for a Yoga class. But me being me, I still have 2 more places to go in Sydney for introductory prices before I need to start paying the full price for Yoga. I have already Bookmarked these places and am continuing to look for more! Nyehehehe.... Whether I would continue once I have to pay the full price is still questionable. I really enjoy it but for the price... I am not too sure if it's worth it. I think I just don't like paying for things that I can actually do myself... if I am more disciplined enough.. and if I have a hot room :p

And another new thing.. that I did briefly in December (2 sessions to be exact)... was boot camp! Thanks to Karen for being my friend and asked to join the Bring a Friend Day Rebel Boot camp. Yi Wen came along with me. It was pretty awesome. Except for the fact that I had to wake up really early and had 3 hours of sleep on both the nights before boot camp. Go me! Now I know how my clients felt when I was giving them push-ups in the gym and all I did was counting and asking them to GO GO GO! I wouldn't be surprised if they were swearing at me in their head. Because I was doing that when I was doing the push-ups in a big school field with barely any sunlight. Well, not swearing to anyone in particular of course, just swearing in my head, scolding myself for deciding to go and do it. But ... no regrets! It was good stuff! And it was good to see other Malaysians waking up early in the morning and getting involved in physical activities.

Ohh! and one last sport I got involved in. It was a different involvement. I wasn't a player for this. It was my first time, covering a sports team, being a team (student) physiotherapist. It was for the women's AFL (aussie footy). After watching the game for so many weekends, I am still quite clueless on how the game goes. Did I enjoy it? Well, to be honest, not really. It wasn't really good money and I got bored because there isn't much injuries in the women's team. But I am thankful to have the opportunity to do some sports coverage as I get to improve my strapping skills. Plus, I get to add it in to my CV :) Hehehehe....

Social life
Many friends came to visit me in Sydney this year.

- Christine and Matt (photo unavailable)

-Shaleeni

- Yi Wen

- Caris

- Caroline

And my very two special people:

- Ah Swan - My Other Half

(photo not taken in Sydney as we were too busy eating in Sydney that there wasn't a photo of us both together.. lol!)

- Ivan - My significant other :)

If you calculate how many months I was in Sydney this year, I could say that I have someone visiting me almost every single month! It was so good because it made time flew by pretty quickly. There were less lonely nights and there's always something to look forward to.

I made some new friends this year too. Really nice people.

Thanks to Swan as she gave me the opportunity to briefly coach UMSA's netball team this year. They are such a nice bunch of girls.... And because of that, I got to eat Kajang's satay in December thanks to Ying Xuan and had an AWESOME trip in KK thanks to Andrea (more on this on a different post).

Ying Xuan

Andrea

This year was also my first time staying out of Sydney. I stayed at a friend's place in Newcastle, for 5 weeks. And shared a room with another friend. And I am glad it was with Nat. We also share our hospital stories at the end of the day. She is so caring, so easy going and always willing to help out. Every friday, we'd drive back to Sydney from Newcastle. And when Sunday comes we'd drag ourselves and journey back to Newcastle for another week of clinical placement. We'd play music in her car and I'd be the DJ for the trip. Our trip always involved chocolate. Pods, mint slice, tim tams ... and.. almonds... we love our almonds.... It was a good 5 weeks. Unforgettable moments, great times.

John Hunter Hospital - our daily morning walk to the hospital in Newcastle

I had two friends who got married this year too! So many people got engaged/married this year man!

Registration ceremony of Yu Sheng and Jenny

And the long awaited, much anticipated wedding of the year (more on this in a different post too!)

Mamasan Audrey and Bronson

I've also tried to be more sociable this year and attended my very first house party in Sydney organized by one of my coursemates. I usually do not attend all these house parties and only attend the end of exam/semester celebration. But since it was the last house party by the Canadians, I decided to go for it.

The theme? Canadian Night... duh!!

And now.. the nasty...

I wish I can ignore it but I couldn't. I was disappointed with a friend's action. The excuse for not being able to meet me was just shocking. Shocking for someone who's working and earning money. Shocking for someone who once called me her best buddy. But I won't elaborate on it. Let's just say that this year, I have learnt what friends I should keep and what friends I should not even bother with. My trip back to Malaysia this time was an eye opener. I know this is bad but I can use my fingers to count to 3 ... and that is the number of people I would shake my head when I think of their actions. I am disgusted. I do not wish to be but I am.

And then there's people, who I am not so close with, and yet they are so hospitable... I met friends who I never really talked to in high school but they made the effort to go out with me for a quick catch up despite a late night at work and even treat me to a meal. And then I wish, I was closer to them back in the days.

(gosh, it's 2am now and I feel like I am ranting in my new year's post... lol! save me!)

I think I should move on to the next section. But to summarise this part... Many friends visited me this year which was fantastic! I met new friends... nice new friends. I have friends who got married. I found out that some people are just not worth my time anymore and I need to accept it and let go.

Family

Bro was in Sydney for a few months at the start of the year. It was good as he'd cooked vitamin soup for me at his apartment and his own nando's cheese chicken. We'd go for Passionflower ice cream after dinner. He took me out to many many meals. He fed me well and it was good to have him in Sydney. It all felt so empty after he left, especially since my cousin was in Nepal then and I was living alone.

However, mum and dad visited me several time s in Sydney this year as they have some things to settle in Sydney. Till now, it's not yet settled and I'm praying it will all work out in the end. I had more family time this year than last year. But I do wish for more. But what my mom said last time was right... Once we leave the nest, we are most likely not gonna come back. I really enjoyed their company in Sydney. coming home being able to smell really good cooking and being able to say "hi Papa! Hi Mummy!!" all over again... When they left, the apartment felt so empty especially when my cousin was still in Nepal and I was all alone in the empty apartment. It can be quite depressing and lonely.

Some situations have changed over the last few months. Had a good chat with my brother on the bus trip home from Singapore to KL in December. I am going to miss him seeing that he's going to be further away. But I know the change is for the better. 2011 will be the year where it's only mum and dad in NZ. But they have so many trips being booked already so that's good :) I am glad they have each other's company so they're not so lonely despite having both birds leaving the nest. But I do have plans to fly back. When I have a job and when I have the money. Which I hope is in the next few months!!!

LDR

January, February, July and November were the months that I got to spend it with him. My favourite months in 2010. Though it was only a few weeks/days of the month, I enjoyed and cherished every single moment of it. The hardest goodbye was made in the month of July. Because we were both uncertain of when we will meet the next time. And uncertainties suck. I dislike it. A LOT. The month of November was a bonus surprise. It was the best 4 days. But then it was another difficult goodbye. Because we are still uncertain of the next time we will meet.

Does it get easier after experiencing a year of it? My opinion: No. Maybe it would after a few years? I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see. My hope is yes. As this is a new year's post, I shall be honest. Do I ever have doubts? Definitely. Sometimes I have doubts if it will last. There were times in the year where I wonder maybe it's better if I am unattached. Then I do not need to miss someone so much. Maybe I will actually feel less lonely. Less lonely nights. I do wonder if I can be that minority who are lucky and be the winner of this long battle.

I apologize for my negativity and doubts. This is just how I feel. Because of the many other LDRs I know of, at the end of 2010, I only know of one that is still going. I hope it runs in the family :p It's amazing what distance can do. Even after so many years of knowing someone, it only takes distance plus a little time to end it. I wonder when my time is up.

But for now, I shall live the moment.

This time back in Malaysia, I do get the same question over and over again after I say I am going to look for a job in Australia. A question about what happens to the both of us. And all I can do is shrug my shoulders. Because I do not know. Because I have decided to do what I do best. Go with the flow, let time decide, keep my fingers cross, believe and have faith.

What ever happens will happen for a reason. It will always be a blessing, be it in a disguise or not.

Am I ready to welcome 2011?

I'd be lying if I say yes. But it is already 2011 as I type this out. I have stepped into 2011 with a lot of uncertainties. Not the way I wanted but I have expected it. This is going to be a very challenging year. Especially the first few months till I get a job. My year of having a different status. Where I no longer can call myself a student. I need to sell myself now as a Physiotherapist.

I hope the search won't be too long. I hope something comes up soon. I hope I get something good.

Am I more positive seeing that this is the end of the post? Slightly. I am uncertain and a little doubtful, I am afraid of stepping into the real world.

But I am looking forward to it. Looking forward to get a job. Looking forward to earn money. Looking forward to see the bank account go DING DING DING, with cash coming in every week. I am looking forward to my first pay. Looking forward to buy myself a new pair of runners with it. Looking forward to go back to NZ for a short holiday and see him when I have a good job and saved up a fair amount.

I am looking forward to a GREAT YEAR! Hell yeaahhhh it's gonna be different!!! It's gonna be different in a GOOD way for sure!!! It's gonna be my year. The Rabbit year. Cute little animals they are. Hopping over any obstacle that comes in their way, eventually getting to their carrot. In my case, a JOB. And that's what I'm gonna do! Mwahahahahaha!!

And now... that's a whole lot of positivity!!! Woohooo!! Told you I'll get there... hehehe..

Welcome 2011!!!! I am now welcoming you with BIG, WIDE, OPEN arms and big huge smile!!!

My resolution for 2011? You all know I usually don't make resolutions. But this time... I do --> Get a great job and call myself a physiotherapist!

And I am gonna make it happen!!

Happy New Year everybody! 2011 is going to be way better than 2010. Here's to a better health, way more laughters, more joy, more smiles, more positives, more money and way more LOVE!!!

This is gonna be a really special year. Not only because my resolution is gonna come true but also because the dates are so cool!

1.1.11

11.1.11

11.02.2011 (a palindrome! on my birthday! Woootttt wooottt!!!)

1.11.11

11.11.11

And that is why... 2011 is gonna be a blast!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!!!!

Ouch

Off to Singapore tomorrow.

But first, need to sit for my IELTS test. Tomorrow's gonna be a rush.

Writing, listening and reading exam at 8am

Speaking exam at 3.10 pm

Rush back to One Utama from KLCC...

Bus to Singapore 6pm

Been doing quite a bit of exercise the past week.

Saturday morning: Swim

Sunday: Climbed Bukit Gasing in the morning, ran at night

Tuesday morning: Swim

Wednesday morning: Bikram yoga

Thursday: Bikram yoga in morning, swim at night

Friday morning: Boot camp followed by Bikram yoga

And now my body is so sore I feel like I've ran a half marathon. Hamstrings are hurting like hell. My hamstrings have never hurt. Sore arms, sore back too. I need a massage. Why can't Thailand trip be tomorrow? Hehehe....

Thanks to Yi Wen for the swim, Karen and Shaun for the trip to Bukit Gasing, Karen for the boot camp, and Mei for the yoga.

And now, back to studying. One last late night! I seriously hope so!!!

Screw you IELTS

OMG.. I have not written an discursive essay in ages!

The last time I wrote one was probably in 7th form, i.e. 5 years ago.

So guess what I'm doing for my second week of my holiday?

Reading essays and learning how to write them.

And to think it was ALL OVER!!

IELTS test this Saturday... I need it to apply my working visa/Australian PR. And I'm taking the Academic one because there isn't any General test this Saturday and this is the only date I can sit for it.

FML.

In Malaysia

In Sydney, I'm so used to stay at home and do nothing despite living in the big and busy Sydney.

And I think because I am so used to that, now that I'm in Malaysia, I am also fine with just staying at home and doing nothing despite not being here for so many months and having so many friends to catch up with, so many places that I should go.

Last night after some catch-up with swimming friends, I decided to go home when the night is still young -10pm. The others were gonna play pool. Am I being anti-social? Or am I getting old? I still stayed up till 1am though. haha!

I guess it's also the thought of having to smell ciggies that pulled me away. And also I wanted to avoid the nagging if I come home too late.

And today, I decide to stay at home and do nothing despite having so little days left in KL before I head off to Singapore. Maybe it's also because the amount of freedom I have here is so little, the access to a car is close to nothing. I do not want to constantly ask for it, fearing rejection. Like it always happen.

P's get Degrees

Damn right they do!!!

Woohoooooooo!!! ZERO fails... that means....

I will be a Physiotherapist!! Just awaiting registration now. Hohohoho!!!!

It was THE BEST 4 days while it lasted

The monkey came to visit Sydney for 4 days.

Thursday

Met him at Chat Thai. His favourite place. The nom nom nom begins!!!

Chat Thai round 1- Spring rolls. Spicy fish cake dish. Lodt Shong Singapore.

Passionflower - Durian, black sesame, green tea, lychee ice cream.

Walked home along the Pyrmont wharf. Weather was cooling. So happy to see him. Couldn't stop smiling the whole time.

Friday

Maccas breakfast + baklava

Fishmarket - Sashimi, soft shell crab, oyster mornay, scallop mornay, grilled prawns, seaweed

Chinatown night market - lamb skewer, chicken skewer, tofu skewer, japanese pancake, chee cheong fun

Twisted noodles - extremely spicy noodles, hong kong style coffee + tea

After heavy lunch at fishmarket, we came home and watched a movie before heading out to the nightmarkets at Chinatown. Bought our food and sat outside the Sydney Entertainment Centre as there was a school concert going on and there were so many kids outside just warming up and doing random performance. Chinatown food was meant to be our dinner but we weren't full enough so we went to this hong kong noodle shop for more food. hehehe....

Saturday

Home (a thai restaurant VERY similar to Chat Thai) - Pad Thai, sago rice flour dumpling with ground peanuts and palm sugar

Chat Thai round 2- Desserts: Young coconut kuih, pandan kuih, coconut girdles, banana fritters, sweet potato balls, Lodt Shong Singapore

Food court in city - Sushi

Gelatissimo ice cream

Prawns + Pork Wat Tan Hor cooked by Me!!

Went to the gym and the pool in the morning before starting our food journey. A day filled with lots of dessert, snacks and window shopping. Visited the new Westfield Pitt St Mall, watched street performances, went shopping at Rebel Sport, hung out at Darling Harbour as I had to collect my cousin's Santa Suit for the Santa Run the following day. Dinner was at home and I cooked wat tan hor with lots of egg sauce, just how I liked it :) And then we watched Knight and Day before heading to bed.

Sunday (our 27 months :))

Fish market: King prawns fried noodles. Soft shell crab. Raw oysters. Oyster mornay. Salt and pepper calamari.

Lowenbrau Mango Beer

Baker's Oven Cafe at the Rocks - Chocolate Hazelnut Slice

Japanese BBQ buffet at Chinatown - Beef tongue, special beef ribs, shabu shabu, beef harami, gizzards, takoyaki, jellyfish sidedish, seagrass sidedish, almond jelly, green tea and sesame ice cream, chicken, beef loin, deep fried prawns...

Went to the fishmarket pretty early and some of the shops weren't open. Walked around the fishmarket, stare at live seafood soon to be eaten...killed time and then EAT! Walked along Anzac Bridge after fishmarket as we were so full. Got home and slept like pigs after. Was meant to go to the Botanical Gardens but it was raining, and hence the sleeping. Caught the bus to Circular Quay and sipped Mango Beer and Lowenbrau. Walked around the Rocks markets and we were mainly killing time and trying not to eat much in preparation for our 40 bucks Jap buffet at night. Came across this bakery at the Rocks and couldn't resists the slices and bought one.. no regrets!! We then walked around the malls again before heading to our buffet. Huge feast. A 90 mins limit to eat 40 bucks worth of BBQ. It was so good. Ate till my max. I know because I threw up 5 mins after we left the place. We were also calculating the ala carte dishes and we have definitely ate more than 80 bucks. Hehehehe....

Monday

Pie face pies

Egg tarts

Chat Thai round 3- Beef ribs with rice. Egg noodles with chicken coconut curry and lime. Fried bread dough sticks with kaya.

Cold rock ice cream - peanut butter ice cream with cookie dough.

His final day in Sydney. *sigh*

Still eating our hearts out despite the massive meal the night before. It was raining again but it did not stop us. Best snack discovered at Chat Thai - the yau char guai and kaya. I can so just go there for breakfast next time because this snack is only sold from 10am - 12 pm. I am so glad we tried it today. MmMMMmm!!! Sent the monkey off at 4.30pm....

Got home..............

And now it's back to normal.

- It feels so empty right now without you

- Thank you for a wonderful 4 days

- I'd say it's the best 4 days of 2010

- These 4 days just reminded me how much I miss you and how much fun I am missing out when you're not with me
- I'm already missing you :(
- THANK YOU :)

*Edit: Walked home through Chinatown and Darling Harbour today and it reminded me so much of you. Those 4 days were really like a long dream that I did not want to wake up from but eventually did.

Wrapping it up!

We are all now holding a Masters of Physiotherapy degree!! (awaiting results but for now.. living in denial and just assuming we pass... :p)

Watch out world!! Here's a whole new bunch of physio-verryyy-pisssts coming to you next year!!!

No longer a student

Hi, I am a student physiotherapist :)

Yeaaaaaaa baby!!!!!

Officially done!!

Party party for the next few days. Tomorrow night is going to be massive!!!!

Bring on Lowenbrau!!!

Went for my very first job interview this morning. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I could have done better, could have said more. Was just a tad nervous. I'm glad I revised the knee!

Well, there's a first for everything. At least I'll be more confident in my next interview. Hehehehe.....

It's 2 a.m.

I need to wake up in 4 hours time.

I swear this is going to be the last late night ever for an assignment/presentation!

I thought it was all over before this but I thought wrong. But this is definitely the last one. I just have been procrastinating too much.

Good night :)

and I apologize for all the negativity in my blog recently

because this is the only place where I can pour everything out... that's what a blog is for afterall, right?

What a *toot*

I know I'm not perfect, I know I'm not that smart. I know I'm lacking knowledge.

But I manage my patients well, my time management is the best out of the 3. So don't come into my face and say that you feel bad for me as I have to take over your patients just because you're smarter than me and you couldn't cope with your patient load and assume I won't be able to cope as well.

I don't go in front bragging to everyone that I got a good feedback when I know you didn't get one as good as mine. I keep it to myself because I don't want you to be under even more pressure with your time management. But to say I'm "lucky" with the patients today, even though they were yours previously and you complain about them all the time, you've just insulted me. Give me some credit at least because I have a way with patients. I got more tricks in my hat than yours even though I'm not that smart.

I saw all the patients that you saw and got extra patient load as well. I have a way with patients and I saw all your "bad patients" and I didn't even think they were that troublesome at all. You just complain too much and that's why you don't get things done.

And to "feel bad" for me just because one of your difficult patient refuses treatment from me, that is just so low. I don't even feel bad for myself at all because I did everything I can, said everything one can possibly think of and if patient refuses, so be it. There's nothing to feel bad about or frustrated. Even my supervisor failed to get the patient up.

I'm just letting this all out because I just hate it when people look down on me because they don't know themselves that well and they think they are better than me in everything. I am young and I am not the smartest. But it doesn't mean that I won't be able to do my work as well. It's time for you to wake up and realize the real problem is you and not others and stop blaming it on them.

Just 8 more days and I won't need to listen to your complaints anymore.

What if it happens?

I don't really care anymore.

This is how it has become to. I can live without it.

Sometimes I think if we don't get what we want, all we have to do is pull ourselves away from it. Ignorance is bliss. And soon enough, you don't even need what you desire before.

Don't ask.

Good Luck to all having exams

Hehehehehehe...

I'm so glad mine are over.

Ending with a 5 weeks placement beats studying in the library 11 days straight and sitting for exams, running on chocolate and coffee as fuel, feeding on instant noodles to survive.

Heeeheeeee... that was me not too long ago.

3 more weeks till its over. I am quite tired of dealing with the oldies already. Everyday have to layan them, praise them eventhough you just want to whack and scream at them, sweet talk them, tell them wide lies, and come up with all sorts of nonsense and making up "Dr's order" just to get them out of bed.

By the end of this, I am going to be a great sweet talker with great patience.... and be darn good at holding my breath :D